8/10/2007

Torrential downpours disrupted travel and transport across Switzerland as the Alpine country experienced its HEAVIEST 24-HOUR PERIOD OF RAIN ON RECORD. In canton Jura 150 litres per square metre fell over a 72-hour period – the same amount as it normally receives during the entire month of August. Zurich was also hit by its WORST RAINFALL IN A CENTURY, with 100 litres per square metre falling in 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday. Two days of torrential rain have left large parts of northwestern Switzerland and the central plateau region under water. 74 litres of rain per square metre fell on Bern in the same period. Other badly affected areas were the Chasseral in canton Bern (90 litres), the Moléson in canton Fribourg (80 litres) and Lugano (70 litres). By Thursday evening the levels of most affected lakes and rivers appeared to have peaked, but the situation in many areas, particularly along the River Aare, remains critical. The storms led to chaos on the roads, with many closed as a result of flooding or landslides. Rail traffic was also hit. The situation in the town of Olten, a strategic crossroads of Switzerland's rail network, was particularly precarious, with parts of the town centre under water. In Basel, the River Rhine threatened to burst its banks and shipping was halted.

Torrential Rains/ Landslides

GUATEMALA - A mudslide caused by heavy rains killed 5 children in Guatemala. Heavy rains caused a small pond at the top of a ravine to overflow, prompting an avalanche of mud, rocks and trees in Cristo Rey Village.